Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Pityriasis rubra pilaris exacerbation with topical use of imiquimod
F Clarissa Yang1, Chad Jessup, Madhu Dahiya
1Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. fcyang@partners.org
Abstract:
The role of immune response modifiers is increasing in the treatment of dermatologic diseases. Imiquimod, a toll-like receptor agonist, results in up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines for improved immune surveillance. Although topical use is generally well-tolerated, imiquimod can potentially result in systemic effects and exacerbate generalized inflammatory papulosquamous diseases of the skin. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who was treated with imiquimod for actinic keratosis and developed fever and a progressive erythematous papulosquamous eruption that was histologically consistent with pityriasis rubra pilaris.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Diseases and Disorders
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Papillary Dermis
The dermis might be considered the "core" of the integumentary system, as distinct from the epidermis and hypodermis. It contains blood and lymph vessels, nerves, and other structures, such as hair follicles and sweat glands. The dermis is made of two layers of connective tissue that comprise an interconnected mesh of elastin and collagenous fibers, produced by fibroblasts.
Papillary Layer
The papillary layer is made of loose, areolar connective tissue, which means the collagen and...
Acne Infection
Hand hygiene
Hand washing...